Arsenal summer target finally cleared to sign for European giants after Gunners fail to seal early deal

Roma have reportedly moved to the front of the Steven N’Zonzi queue as English clubs are now unable to buy players until January.

As you know, the Premier League made the decision to close their transfer window before the start of the season even though it remains open across Europe.

Arsenal were heavily linked with N’Zonzi all summer and it seems as if there was a very real interest in bringing the player Unai Emery previously managed to the Emirates.

There was certainly a very real interest in linking him with a move to Arsenal, that’s for sure.

The Evening Standard reported on Friday that Roma now, not Arsenal, are in pole position to land the 29-year-old’s signature.

Pietro Lazzerini writes, “Roma’s sporting director Monchi also worked with Nzonzi at Sevilla and is keen to bring in another midfielder, despite significant activity in the transfer market. Roma sold Alisson to Liverpool and used the funds to bring in a number of new players, including Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore from Paris St-Germain and Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante.”

A few days ago it was reported in Italy that N’Zonzi was waiting for a call from Arsenal despite interest from AS Roma.

Last Sunday’s La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Roma had reached an agreement over personal terms with the player, worth up to €3m per season.

However, they also claimed N’Zonzi refused to allow the transfer to go through, as he expected a move from Arsenal.